Skin care: Is moisturising really the way to get healthier skin, asksLucie Wood.

The 24/7 lifestyle we lead – working and playing hard, topped with minimal sleep – all takes its wearying effect on our bodies, revealing itself in our own health barometer – our skin.

We may not be able to see the state of our hearts, livers, kidney glands and muscles but the skin acts as their visual blueprint, revealing internal imbalance. The prevalence of skin problems such as eczema, dry or greasy skin, stretch marks and spots are symptoms of a ‘vodka and vitamin’ generation where we indulge in cigarettes and drinking and attempt to rectify the damage with vitamins and supplements the next day, claims a recent report from skincare company Olay.

There’s the rub The helping hand, says Olay, is a moisturiser containing antioxidants and vitamins to nourish your skin.

However, nutritionists argue that it is far more effective to care for the skin from the inside out, feeding it via nutrients in the bloodstream, rather than rubbing in the most expensive cream on the market.

Drew Fobbester of online nutritionists MyNutrition dismisses such moisturisers as nothing more than a marketing con.

‘The topical absorption of vitamins is very low; it’s far more beneficial to eat the nutrients you need.’

For example, dermatitis and eczema are problems of the skin but may be a direct reflection of digestive trouble or a weak immune system.

Similarly, cellulite is a collection of saturated fats and toxins that the body is trying to keep somewhere ‘safe’ before they can be eliminated.

Poor skin in general may be an indication of a body that is not detoxifying efficiently, indicating a sluggish liver.